This game opened with sloppy play by both teams, and neither squad shot the ball particularly well. The period was highlighted by several great defensive stands by Andrew Wiggins isolated on James Harden, who was held to two points in the period, both of which came from the line. However, highlights on the other side of the ball were few and far between. The two teams were tied up at 21 headed into the second.
The Wolves offense broke out a bit in the second quarter. They were paced by Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, both of whom used their aggressiveness and strength to get to the rim and score, as well as to collapse the defense and find their teammates for open looks.